Howard Jones “Dream Into Action” 1985. Elektra Records. Today, February 23rd, is Howard Jones’ 60th birthday (60!!!). I bought this record in ‘85 when I was hugely into British new wave and synth pop. It did very well on the charts, reaching #2 on the UK charts and #10 in the US.

Side 1 received most of my time back in the day; as I sit and listen to the album now, I don’t recall any of the songs on Side 2, even “Look Mama” which charted at #2 in the UK (but was not released in the US). Better known, of course, are the singles “Things Can Only Get Better,” “Life in One Day” (check this out for a glorious new wave mullet!) and “No One Is To Blame.”

The lyrics to “Things Can Only Get Better” are perfect for Jones today:

Treating today as though it was
The last, the final show
Get to 60 and feel no regret
It may take a little time
A lonely path, an uphill climb
Success or failure will not alter it.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Jones!